James Norman Smith
Cuero
DeWitt County, Texas
29 05.468' N 97 17.235' W
Directions: Start at the intersection of Courthouse Street and McLeod Street. Go 1/2 block north. The marker is on the left (west) side of the street.
Text: quot;Uncle Jimmy the Peacemaker.quot; Son of Sgt. James Turner Smith, veteran of American Revolution. Born and educated in North Carolina. Lived for 32 years in Tennessee, where he taught James K. Polk, later a U.S. President. Taught first school in area now De Witt County, 1840 (year he came to Texas). Surveyed De Witt County; was first county clerk. Organized Presbyterian churches at Victoria, Hochheim, Clinton, Peebles Ranch, Mill Creek, Live Oak, and Cuero. Organized first Masonic Lodge in county. At 1857 political rally, introduced old Tennessee friend, Sam Houston.